BEAMINSTER TOWN COUNCIL

FINANCE

During 2008 a new computerised budgeting system was introduced which allows a more detailed breakdown of income and expenditure in relation to the Council’s activities.

When viewing the  Council’s budget for 2009/2010 you will see that it has been broken down into areas of responsibility, this enables Councillors to plan and monitor income and expenditure in more detail, it also gives the public an insight into the costs of operating, for instance, the Public Hall.

To view the 2009/2010 Budget in its most simplest form, last year’s actual figures, budget for 2009/2010 and actual year to date figures against budget click here.

The Finance & General Purposes Committee meet quarterly, they monitor the status of the Council’s finances to ensure there are no unnecessary budget overspends.  The latest consideration highlighted the following:

Financial Update  – October 2009

• 2009/2010 Budget

• The overall effect of the recent recruitment of a groundsman/handyman and cemetery groundsman indicates, a reduction of 10% on the Council’s salary budget, approximately half of which will be saved in the current year

• There are currently two issues relating to the Public Hall, the main concern being the necessary Health & Safety remedial works, to the floor in the toilets and rear lobby which, it is anticipated will cost in the region of £13,000.  The other is the replacement of the first floor windows in the Social Club however provision has been included in the 2009/2010 budget for this expenditure

• The current budget projection shows a surplus of £10,910 however adjustments will be necessary to take into account the unexpected expenditure in relation to the public hall floor 

• Public Hall – the current income level is projected to increase by about 5%, albeit the increase in usage is about 10% over 2008/09, this reflects well on the decision to replace the old charges structure last November

GRANT AID

Each year the Town Council sets aside money to be used for grants for various charities/organisations in and around Beaminster. All grant applications must be put in writing and sent to the Town Clerk.

When considering grants the Council request copies of an organisations accounts and how the grant would benefit residents of Beaminster. Please contact the Town Clerk at townclerk@beaminster-tc.gov.uk for further information.